Fans are excited about True Detective: Night Country. But who is John Hawkes in True Detective Season 4? Explore the Deadwood star's new role with us!
Meet Hank Prior, John Hawkes' True Detective Season 4 Character!
In True Detective Season 4, John Hawkes plays Hank Prior, whom the actor described as a "complicated man" and as somewhat"misunderstood" in a 2023 interview.
So far, little information has been revealed about the character but we do know that he works for an Alaska police department.
He's the partner of Detective Liz Danvers, so we expect him to play an important role in the mystery that unfolds in True Detective: Night Country, whereby eight missing scientists are found frozen solid.
However, John Hawkes has pointed out that Season 4 of the mystery TV series that's available in Max (formerly HBO Max) is a woman-driven show that plays with the tropes of male-led detective mysteries of past years.
That being said, Hawkes described his own Hank Prior as a "cool role" in the aforementioned interview, showing that he enjoyed portraying him.
In True Detective, Hank Prior's son has joined the family business, but his relationship with his father is strained, which could make for some drama in later episodes.
Where Else Has John Hawkes Appeared?
Hank Prior is John Hawkes' most recent role, but you will likely recognize the actor from several other beloved movies and TV series.
The 64-year-old actor has received several awards for his performances throughout the years, including but not limited to the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award.
Hawkes is particularly well-known for the 2004-2006 Western period drama Deadwood.
In it, he portrayed Sol Star (1840-1917), a businessman and politician, and one of the early residents of Deadwood, South Dakota. He's among the many historical figures who appeared in the show.
This wouldn't be John Hawkes' last time portraying a real person. In 2012, he had the main role in The Sessions (2012, dir. Ben Lewin).
In this movie, Hawkes portrayed Mark O'Brien, a poet, journalist, and activist who was disabled for much of his life due to polio.
His portrayal was met with critical acclaim, although the fact that Hawles was an able-bodied actor playing a disabled person and advocate of people with disabilities was commented upon.
In 2010, John Hawkes appeared in the coming-of-age mystery movie Winter Bones where he portrayed Teardrop, the uncle of main character Ree (Jennifer Lawrence).
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